Tag Archives: Rodolfo Parga

Arizona’s 25 Most Influential Minority Business Leaders

What would you do it you opened the pages of this magazine and saw Jerry Colangelo listed as one of the 25 Most Influential Minority Business Leaders in Arizona? You’d do a double take, but it’s not out of the realm of possibilities.

Consider this: Among 439,633 Arizonans under age 5 in 2012, this is how the Census broke down those numbers:

If you combine numbers like that with the fact that 91.7 percent of the nation’s population growth between 2000 and 2010 was attributed to racial and ethnic minorities, with the largest segment of population growth occurring in the Hispanic community, lists like this — the 25 Most Influential Minority Business Leaders in Arizona of 2014 — could become obsolete in our lifetimes.

Until we get there and as our state’s minority population moves toward majority status, it’s important to notice that the state’s most dynmanic business leaders have helped fuel our economic recovery and growth … and many of them just happen to be minorities. And while the future looks bright, we still have work to in overcoming outdated perceptions. According to a 2012 Minority Business Enterprise Report commissioned by the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Phoenix MBDA Business Center, a significant portion of minority-owned businesses in Arizona have had problems earning the trust of their customers, suppliers, peers and lenders and need support from within the business community to help break down some of these misconceptions and stigma.

The 25 Most Influential Minority Business Leaders in Arizona, whom you will meet below, have changed that perception.

Benito Almanza
Arizona president
Bank of America
Heritage: Mexican-American
A graduate of Stanford University and the University of Santa Clara, Almanza has been with Bank of America for 34 years. He is a member of the Teach for America Arizona Board.
His hope for professional legacy: “Working every day with great teammates to make our community better and surrounding myself with strong leaders and developing them to replace me.”

Glynis Bryan
CFO
Insight Enterprises Inc.
Heritage: Jamaican
Bryan is responsible for setting the company’s financial strategies; ensuring the company has the appropriate financial and operating controls and systems in place to support future growth; and serving as a financial and business advisor to the leadership team.
Her hope for professional legacy: “Setting a standard of excellence in an organization and helping teammates reach their full potential.”

Debbie Cotton
Director
Phoenix Convention Center
Heritage: African American
Cotton manages a staff of 240 employees, a budget of $47.5 million and is the city’s chief representative to the state’s tourism and hospitality industry.
Her hope for professional legacy: “Throughout my career, I’d like to be remembered for adhering to high ethical standards and inspiring individuals to pursue careers within public service.”

Gonzalo de la Melena Jr.
President and CEO
Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Heritage: Peruvian and Mexican
De la Melena, who directs the state’s leading advocate representing more than 60,000 Hispanic business enterprises, has 20 years of global brand management, business development and Latino marketing experience gained from conducting business in more than 30 countries.
His hope for professional legacy: “For helping the lifeblood of our economy, small businesses, prosper – especially minority-owned businesses, now one-fourth of Arizona’s total. Our future global competitiveness depends on it.”

Diane Enos
President
Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community
Enos is the 23rd president of the Salt River Community and the second women elected to the office. Enos is the first member of the Community to become a lawyer and practiced in the Maricopa County Public Defender’s Office for 11 years.
Heritage: Onk Akimel O’Odham, or one of the River People otherwise known as Pima
Her hope for professional legacy: “The top qualities I’d like to be remembered for is someone who was unafraid to try something new and to do it with integrity for the good of my people.”

Rufus Glasper
Chancellor
Maricopa Community Colleges
Heritage: African American
As the CEO of one of the nation’s largest systems of community colleges, he is leading MCCCD to address the community’s education and workforce training needs.
His hope for professional legacy: “An educator who focused on human rights and education for first-generation college students, quality healthcare, workforce and jobs, and re-framing an institution for the future.”

Deborah Griffin
President of the board of directors
Gila River Casinos
Heritage: Gila River Indian Community member and Mexican-American
Griffin leads Arizona’s largest minority-run business with more that 2,500 employees.
Her hope for professional legacy: “I would like to be remembered for creating a legacy of self-sufficiency and volunteerism in my community. My Tribe needs only to seek within themselves and have confidence in the beauty of their abilities to continue this legacy.”

Edmundo Hidalgo
President and CEO
Chicanos Por La Causa
Heritage: Mexican-American
His hope for professional legacy: “I would like to be remembered as someone who made a difference in the community. The Hispanic community is at a breakaway point because of our demographics and the opportunities we establish for our youth will have a tremendous impact on our state. As the Hispanic community goes, so will the State of Arizona. My focus has always been in support of education and ensuring that young people get the opportunities I received as I was beginning my career. I am blessed to have been mentored by many individuals who were willing to invest in me and I have the responsibility to do the same.”

Leezie Kim
Partner
Quarles & Brady
Heritage: Korean-American
Kim returned to Quarles & Brady after four years of service as a White House appointee to the U. S. Department of Homeland Security and as general counsel to Arizona Gov. Janet Napolitano.
Her hope for professional legacy: “As a trusted counselor to and partner with leaders in business, government and politics who found new ways to get things done that make life a little better for us all.”

David Kong
President and CEO
Best Western International
Since he was named president and CEO in 2004, Kong has guided Best Western International through a brand resurgence, winning numerous awards for training, social media and ecommerce initiatives. Brand Keys ranked Best Western No. 1 in customer loyalty for four consecutive years.
Heritage: Asian
His hope for professional legacy: “I’d like to be remembered for having made a positive difference – in Best Western, in the industry and the lives of all our associates and our hotel staff.”

Paul Luna
President and CEO
Helios Education Foundation
Luna leads Helios Education Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals in Arizona and Florida to succeed in postsecondary education. He is the former president of Valley of the Sun United Way and has held positions with Pepsi, IBM and the Office of Governor Bruce Babbitt.
Heritage: Hispanic
His hope for professional legacy: “That I cared about our community and helped make it better.”

Steve Macias
President and CEO
Pivot Manufacturing
Macias serves on the Governor’s Council on Small Business and is co-chair of the Supply Chain/Buy Arizona Committee, which is exploring ways government can help promote Arizona businesses.
Heritage: Hispanic
His hope for professional legacy: “Someone who made a positive impact in promoting manufacturing as a worthwhile and valuable industry that provides quality jobs to the community.”

Louis J. Manuel, Jr.
Chairman
Ak-Chin Indian Community
Heritage: Tohono O’odham Nation and Ak-Chin Indian Community
Manuel has diversified his Community’s economy with Ak-Chin Farms, Harrah’s Ak-Chin Casino, Santa Cruz Commerce Center and a partnership with the Super Bowl Host Committee.
His hope for professional legacy: “That my decision making gave value and sustainability in promoting a strong future and self-reliance for the people I serve.”

Clarence McAllister
President and CEO
Fortis Networks
Heritage: Black Latino
McAllister was born in Panama and earned degrees in electrical engineering from ASU and an MBA from Nova Southeastern University. In 2000, he and his wife Reyna started Fortis, a certified 8a and HUBZone government contractor specialized in engineering, construction and technology services.
His hope for professional legacy: “As an immigrant who came to this country in search of the American Dream, and built a business that employs more than 100 Americans.”

Alfredo Molina
Chairman
Molina Jewelers
Heritage: Hispanic
Molina went from fleeing Cuba as a boy without a change of clothes to rocking the jewelry world by selling the Archduke Joseph diamond for $21.5 million, the most ever paid at auction for a colorless diamond.
His hope for professional legacy: “I would like to be remembered as someone who made a difference. I believe that every individual is a precious jewel and it is my commitment and social responsibility to ensure they become brilliant.”

Rodolfo Parga, Jr.
Managing shareholder
Ryley Carlock & Applewhite
Heritage: Mexican
Parga has been named in multiple editions of Southwest Super Lawyers®, including in 2014. He also serves on the doard of Chicanos Por la Causa, a leading nonprofit helping advance and create economic and educational opportunities.
His hope for professional legacy: “I would like to be remembered as always trying my best to do the right thing, and being fair and loyal.”

Dan Puente
Owner
D.P. Electric
Heritage: Hispanic
Puente founded D.P. Electric in 1990 out of his garage with one truck and has built it into the largest Hispanic-owned company in Arizona.
His hope for professional legacy: “As an individual who created a company that set industry standards, gave back to an industry generous with opportunity and helped people grow personally and professionally.”

Terry Rambler
Chairman
Arizona Indian Gaming Association
Heritage: San Carlos Apache Tribe
In addition to his AIGA leadership role, Rambler is chariman of the San Carlos Apache Tribe and president of the Inter Tribal Council of Arizona.
His hope for professional legacy: “Strong vision, consistent oversight, yet humble leadership that helped build successful partnerships in economic development, cultural preservation, and the expansion of tribal sovereignty.”

Terence Roberts, M.D., J.D.
Radiation oncologist
Banner MD Anderson Cancer Center
Heritage: African-American
Roberts specializes in stereotactic radiosurgery and tumors of the brain, spine, and prostate. He also received a law degree from Stanford University and practiced corporate law in the Silicon Valley for start-up companies.
His hope for professional legacy: “I would like to be remembered professionally as compassionate, knowledgeable and having integrity. Also as someone who innovated in an era of health care reform.”

Steve Sanghi
Chairman, CEO and president
Microchip Technology
Heritage: Indian
Sanghi, named president of Microchip in 1990, CEO in 1991 and chairman in 1993, is the author of “Driving Excellence: How The Aggregate System Turned Microchip Technology from a Failing Company to a Market Leader.”
His hope for professional legacy: “For building Microchip Technology into one of the most successful semiconductor companies, which achieved an unprecedented 100 consecutive profitable quarters in a brutally competitive industry.”

Roxanne K. Song Ong
Chief presiding judge
Phoenix Municipal Court
Heritage: Chinese American
Song Ong, who chair the Arizona Supreme Court Commission on Minorities, was the first Asian female judge in Arizona and first minority to be named as Phoenix chief judge.
Her hope for professional legacy: “It would be my great honor to be remembered for three primary things: (1) my work in judicial and civics education, (2) the promotion of cultural competency and diversity in the judicial and legal profession, and (3) promoting access to justice for all Arizonans through legal services and education.”

Charlie Touché
Chairman and CEO
Lovitt & Touché, Inc.
In 2004, Touché became chairman and CEO of one of the largest insurance agencies in the United States, with nearly 200 employees in three offices and more than $300 million in total premiums.
Heritage: Hispanic
His hope for professional legacy: “I’m proud to say that during this entire century, we’ve remained a client-driven, hands-on kind of company with people who will roll up their sleeves and jump in the trenches to help those we do business with.”

Lisa Urias
President and CEO
Urias Communications
Heritage: Mexican
Urias has built an award-winning advertising, marketing and public relations agency that specializes in the diverse markets of the American Southwest, particularly the Hispanic market.
Her hope for professional legacy: “Having a nationally-known agency that successfully connects corporations to multicultural markets through ad campaigns, public relations and community outreach for mutual benefit and respect.”

Lonnie J. Williams, Jr.
Partner
Stinson Leonard Street LLP
Heritage: Black
The Yale graduate’s practice focuses on commercial business and employment-related matters. He is a fellow of the American College of Trial Lawyers, one of the premier legal associations in America.
His hope for professional legacy: “Martin Luther King said, ‘if it falls your lot to be a street sweeper, go on out and sweep streets like Michelangelo painted pictures.’ Professionally, I would like to be remembered like that street sweeper.”

Kuldip Verma
CEO
Vermaland
Heritage: East Indian
Vermaland, founded by Verma, holds more than 24,000 acres of land in Arizona with a portfolio valued at $500 million. Nabha, the tiny Indian village Verma was born in, could fit many times into the acreage he now controls in the desert Southwest.
His hope for professional legacy: “I saw a dream and pursued it. Success without humility is a curse, but Success with your values intact is a blessing.”

Parga, elected managing shareholder in 200, is recognized as an accomplished trial attorney and has been named as one of the Valley’s most admired CEOs. He is also a community leader, recently serving as chairman of the board of Chicanos Por La Causa.

Biggest challenge: “Navigating the Great Recession has been the biggest challenge I have faced. The traditional model of the practice of law has been fundamentally changed. Fortunately, well before the Great Recession, our firm had already embraced different business models with the continued focus of providing exceptional legal services while providing the best value for our clients.”

Best advice received: “The best business advice I ever received was from my parents. They told me do the right thing, treat people with respect and good things will follow.”

Best advice to offer: “Do not allow the fear of failure to dictate the vision of your business.”

Greatest accomplishment: “Every day, we provide creative legal solutions to our clients and help them reach their business objectives, and we do this while fostering a vibrant, inclusive workplace where people can develop and succeed. never forget how much our clients, and our people, rely on us to perform our jobs at the highest level.”

“Lisa Wahlin’s practice is a great fit for our growing litigation group,” stated Managing Shareholder Rodolfo Parga. “Many of our governmental clients and their staff need legal assistance and Lisa brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to help guide them in their efforts.”

Wahlin joins an established Litigation Practice Group, that represents clients throughout the United States and internationally, offering legal counsel from start-up companies to mature businesses.

“I am passionate about working with government agencies and their employees and helping them to resolve claims and lawsuits in a manner that best serves the interests of the agency and the public,” stated Wahlin. “I am thrilled to join the distinguished lawyers at Ryley Carlock & Applewhite and committed to continuing to provide the highest level of service to my clients.”

Prior to joining the firm, Wahlin dedicated the first 16 years of her practice to public service, working for various government agencies as prosecutor, police legal advisor, and civil litigator. Since transitioning to private practice, she has continued to focus on defending and advising governmental entities in a variety of areas. In addition to her litigation experience, Lisa has served as a legal advisor to law enforcement agencies and was a frequent instructor on search and seizure and laws of arrest at the Arizona Law Enforcement Academy from 1999 to 2004. Lisa has also aided various government entities in responding to and litigating issues arising out of public records requests. Wahlin’s practice has also included insurance defense, emphasizing cases involving negligence, wrongful death and personal injury, and defamation.

Wahlin earned her law degree from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University in 1991, and earned her undergraduate degree in Microbiology from Texas A & M University.

Ryley Carlock & Applewhite had six attorneys from its Phoenix office selected as Leading Lawyers for Business in Arizona by Chambers & Partners.

“We are tremendously grateful to our clients who provided Chambers with the valuable insight into the work we provide for them,” said Managing Shareholder, Rodolfo Parga. “Chambers USA is a highly rigorous process and is a strong reflection of our commitment to understanding the challenges our clients face as business leaders. We are very honored to have received this acknowledgment for our lawyers.”

Chambers USA, the world’s leading guide to the legal profession, released its 2013 rankings for lawyers and practice groups. Chambers rankings are based on submissions put forward by law firms, interviews during the course of research and Chambers’ own database resources. Law firms and individual lawyers are ranked in bands from 1-6, with 1 being the highest ranking.

Chambers & Partners have been publishers since 1969. They are located in London, England, and publish United Kingdom, USA, and Global guides to the legal profession. Additional information regarding Chambers & Partners, its guides, and the selection process they use to determine the leading lawyers in the United Kingdom, the USA, and the World is available at http://www.chambersandpartners.com/.

Ryley Carlock & Applewhite Managing Shareholder, Rodolfo Parga, Jr. was featured in the newly published book, “Legal Visionaries, How to Make their Innovations Work for You”. In partnership with 27 legal visionaries from around the country, Authors David Galbenski and David Barringer interviewed this team of innovators to provide a guide to legal practitioners how others have dealt with record economic challenges, changes in the legal profession, and the formulation of new ways to achieve success. The authors say it best, “The visionaries whose interviews were collected … have taken significant steps to improve the business of law … .” The book provides different perspectives from within the legal community about dealing with change and risk in the legal profession. As Rudy Parga, Managing Shareholder of Ryley Carlock, observed:

“Lawyers are always assessing risk and finding ways to limit it, but sometimes being a good entrepreneur is not about that. It’s about taking a leap of faith and forging ahead on some of these fronts. All of us have to deal with a new reality. That reality includes alternative fees, new operating models, unbundling, and defining and building new client relationships.” Parga states.

Ryley Carlock & Applewhite Managing Shareholder, Rodolfo Parga, Jr. was featured in the newly published book, “Legal Visionaries, How to Make their Innovations Work for You”. In partnership with 27 legal visionaries from around the country, Authors David Galbenski and David Barringer interviewed this team of innovators to provide a guide to legal practitioners how others have dealt with record economic challenges, changes in the legal profession, and the formulation of new ways to achieve success. The authors say it best, “The visionaries whose interviews were collected … have taken significant steps to improve the business of law … .” The book provides different perspectives from within the legal community about dealing with change and risk in the legal profession. As Rudy Parga, Managing Shareholder of Ryley Carlock, observed:

“Lawyers are always assessing risk and finding ways to limit it, but sometimes being a good entrepreneur is not about that. It’s about taking a leap of faith and forging ahead on some of these fronts. All of us have to deal with a new reality. That reality includes alternative fees, new operating models, unbundling, and defining and building new client relationships.” Parga states.

Ryley Carlock & Applewhite had 15 attorneys from its Phoenix office selected for inclusion in the 2013 Southwest Super Lawyers and Rising Stars.

Super Lawyers, a Thomson Reuters business, is a rating service of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas who have attained a high degree of peer recognition and professional achievement. The annual selections are made using a patented multiphase process that includes a statewide survey of lawyers, an independent research evaluation of candidates and peer reviews by practice area. The result is a credible, comprehensive and diverse listing of exceptional attorneys.

Each year, no more than five percent of the Southwest Super Lawyers in the state are selected by the research team at Super Lawyers to receive the honor of Super Lawyers. Additionally, the designation of Rising Stars is no more than 2.5 percent of lawyers in Arizona and New Mexico who are 40 years of age or younger, and in practice for 10 years or less. The list of Southwest Super Lawyers® includes shareholders:

“Ryley Carlock is committed to the recruitment of young talented attorneys like Amber, who can assist our shareholders in finding the best possible solutions for our clients,” stated Managing Shareholder Rodolfo Parga. “Amber brings together the legal capabilities and a strong commitment to our community that our firm values.”

Curto joins an established Corporate Law and Estate Planning Practice Groups, who represent hundreds of clients throughout the United States and internationally, offering legal counsel from start-up companies to mature businesses.

“I enjoy taking a client centered approach to estate planning to make sure that all details, whether it be in a simple estate or a complex trust administration, are taken care of,” stated Curto, “and having the ability to learn from and work with John Lischer and the other experienced and knowledgeable attorneys within this practice group will give me the ability to assist my clients in new and innovative ways.”

Prior to joining the firm, Curto clerked for the Honorable Judge Glenn Davis of the Arizona Superior Court and was an Associate for an Arizona estate planning firm. She earned her law degree from California Western School of Law, San Diego, California, in 2011 and earned her Bachelor of Science, Summa Cum Laude 2008, from Arizona State University. While in law school, she was a member of the Moot Court Honors Board as well as President of the Business Law Society. Her community service endeavors have included Girl Scouts of America, Project C.U.R.E. and Crisis Nursery. As a part of Ryley Carlock & Applewhite, Curto looks forward to continuing her community involvement by volunteering her time for local boards and organizations.

Benito AlmanzaArizona presidentBank of America
Born into a family of migrant workers, Almanza is now responsible for all lines of business efforts, community and civic activities in the state. The graduate of Stanford University and the University of Santa Clara has been with Bank of America for 30 years, working in California before moving to Arizona in 1992.His hope for his professional legacy: “Hiring top talent and developing them to replace me someday.”Surprising fact: “Growing up working with my family in the fields helped me better understand agribusiness banking.”

Marty AlvarezCEO, principal in chargeSun Eagle Corporation
Alvarez is founder of family-owned and operated Sun Eagle, one of the top minority-owned general contracting and construction management firms in the country. He has been a chair and officer for the Associated Minority Contractors of America since 1993.His hope for his professional legacy: “That our well-constructed buildings improved the landscape, and our assistance to individuals and families improved lives.”Surprising fact: “I have been involved with Shotokan Karate continuously for the past 39 years.”

Victor M. ArandaArea president, Northern ArizonaWells Fargo Arizona
Aranda manages six Wells Fargo Community Banking markets; Northeast Arizona, Central Arizona, White Mountains, North Phoenix, North Scottsdale and Scottsdale. He is responsible for 816 team members, 69 banking stores, and $4.1 billion in deposits. A 25-year financial services veteran, Aranda presently serves as a board member for Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Valley Leadership Arizona.His hope for his professional legacy: “My passion in life is to add value to those I come in contact with. What I would like to be remembered for is how I spent my life serving, helping and developing the leaders of tomorrow.”Surprising fact: “I was involved and directed a church Spanish choir and I have also sang in Las Vegas at the Bellagio Hotel.”

Tony AstorgaRetired CFOBlue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona
Astorga recently retired from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona where he served as the Senior Vice President, CFO & CBDO since 1988. He currently serves as chairman of the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Foundation and is a member of the board of directors for the Arizona Community Foundation, AZHCC, ASU Foundation, CSA General Insurance Agency, Phoenix Art Museum, and US Bank Arizona.His hope for his professional legacy: “I would like to be remembered in my profession as a CPA and CFO for being a good mentor and for helping develop my staff in their work ethic and level of growth.”Surprising fact: “I have a sweet tooth for twinkies or that my favorite movie is ‘Planes, Trains and Automobiles’, I still laugh when I think about the movie”.

Miguel BravoSenior community development consultant Arizona Public Service Company
Bravo is responsible for directing community development initiatives statewide to help serve diverse markets for APS. He also collaborates with economic development organizations to attract industry to Arizona. Bravo also serves the boards of Friendly House, Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Latino Center at Morrison Institute, Boys Hope Girls Hope and Jobs for Arizona’s Graduates.His hope for his professional legacy: “For conducting business with integrity, purpose, passion; and for having a conviction for public service.”Surprising fact: “I became a US Citizen in 2007. Having grown up in Arizona, this was one of my proudest moments.”

José CárdenasSenior vice president and general counselArizona State University
Before joining ASU in 2009, Cárdenas was chairman at Lewis & Roca, where he became the first Hispanic to serve as managing partner of a major law firm in Arizona. A Stanford Law School graduate, Cárdenas has served on many boards and commissions and has received various awards.His hope for his professional legacy: “As a good lawyer who served his clients and community well with the utmost integrity.”Surprising fact: Cárdenas was involved with death penalty cases for more than 30 years.

America Corrales-Bortin Co-founderAmerica’s Taco Shop
Corrales-Bortin grew up Culiacán in Sinaloa, Mexico, watching her mother prepare the dishes that would become the recipes for success at America’s Taco Shop. Founded in 2008, America’s authentic carne asada and al pastor quickly built a following that has led to rapid expansion and a partnership Kahala, a franchise development company. So far in 2013, America’s has already moved into California, Texas and Maryland.Her hope for her professional legacy: “As someone who has a passion for the food we serve at America’s Taco Shop.”Surprising fact: “People would be surprised that I am named after a famous soccer team in Mexico.”

Gonzalo de la Melena Jr.President and CEOArizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
In addition to leading the Hispanic Chamber, de la Melena Jr. operates the Phoenix Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), the state’s leading advocate representing more than 100,000 minority business enterprises. De la Melena is also the Founder of edmVentures, LLC a small business investment company with holdings in Phoenix airport concessions at Sky Harbor International.His hope for his professional legacy: “Helping small businesses succeed.”Surprising fact: “I had the opportunity to do business in more than 30 countries before the age of 30.”

Robert EspirituAcquisition marketingAmerican Express
Espiritu’s diversified professional experience includes working for small business enterprises as well as corporate 100 businesses in the areas of sales, marketing and financial management. He has also been actively involved with various nonprofit organizations; most recently as the former chairman of the board for the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.His hope for his professional legacy: “Innovative and focused leader who delivers with energy and is known for building successful relationships and high performing teams.”Surprising fact: “As a first generation American, I am passionate about helping aspiring and under-privileged youth achieve their dreams and advocating for Hispanic career advancement, education and scholarships.”

Dr. Maria Harper-Marinick Executive vice chancellor and provostMaricopa Community Colleges
Harper-Marinick oversees all areas of academic and student affairs, workforce development, and strategic planning. She serves on several national and local boards including ABEC and AMEPAC, which she chairs. Originally from the Dominican Republic, Harper-Marinick came to ASU as a Fulbright Scholar.Her hope for her professional legacy: “Passion for, and unwavering commitment to, public education as the foundation of a democratic society.”Surprising fact: “The joy I get from driving fast cars.”

Julio HerreraNational Spanish Sales and Retention DirectorCox Communications
Herrera and his team work across markets and cross-functional departments to drive Spanish language sales and grow Cox’s Hispanic markets nationally. He also helped establish LIDER, a leadership program tailored for Hispanic team members looking for advancement opportunities in Phoenix and Southern Arizona.His hope for his professional legacy: “Growing and improving the Hispanic customer experience and making a difference our communities.”Surprising fact: “Spanish was my first language and I started my career in sales leadership at 18 ears old.”

Lori HigueraDirectorFennemore Craig
Higuera defends, provides counsel and trains employers of all sizes. She’s a Southwest Super Lawyer, an employment law expert for the Arizona Republic/Arizona Business Gazette and is a recent recipient of the High-Level Business Spanish Diploma from the Madrid Chamber of Commerce.Her hope for her professional legacy: “A skilled lawyer who elevated the practice by integrating the diverse perspectives of our community.”Surprising fact: “I was fired from my first job as a Santa’s helper for being too social!”

Ana María López, MD, MPH, FACPAssociate dean, outreach and multicultural affairsProfessor of medicine (Tenured) and pathology, College of MedicineMedical director, Arizona Telemedicine ProgramUniversity of Arizona
López has a passion for addressing health inequities and human suffering. From clinical research with molecular targets to health services research, her work focuses on optimizing the health of individuals and communities.Her hope for her professional legacy: “Life is an opportunity to contribute. I hope to contribute, to make a difference.”Surprising fact: “I love simple pleasures. Witnessing the daily miracle of the sun rising sustains me.”

Paul LunaPresident and CEOHelios Education Foundation
Luna leads Helios Education Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals in Arizona and Florida to succeed in postsecondary education. He is the former president of Valley of the Sun United Way and has held positions with Pepsi, IBM and the Office of Governor Bruce Babbitt.His hope for his professional legacy: “That I cared about our community and helped make it better.”Surprising fact: “I’m seriously considering getting matching tattoos with my kids in the near future.”

Steve MaciasPresident and CEOPivot Manufacturing
Macias is a co-owner of Pivot Manufacturing, a Phoenix machine shop, chairs the Arizona Manufacturers Council, and is on the boards of the Arizona Commerce Authority and the Arizona Hispanic Chamber. He is an active proponent of manufacturing in Arizona and a proud father of three boys.His hope for his professional legacy: “Contributed in some small way to the sustainment of manufacturing in Arizona.”Surprising fact: “In high school, I was the school mascot – a Bronco.”

Mario Martinez IICEO360 Vantage
Martinez is responsible for the overall vision, strategy and execution of 360 Vantage, a leader in cloud-based sales and marketing technology solutions designed to solve the unique challenges of the mobile workforce in life sciences, healthcare and other industries.His hope for his professional legacy: “I would most like to be remembered for truly changing the lives of our clients, employees and our community in great and meaningful ways.”Surprising fact: “I hosted a radio show during my college years.”

Clarence McCallisterCEOFortis Networks, Inc.
McAllister was born in Panama and earned his master’s in electrical engineering from ASU. In 2000, he and his wife started Fortis Networks, Inc., a certified 8a and HUBzone government contractor specializing in engineering, construction and technology services.His hope for his professional legacy: “Building a world-class organization that always exceeds our customers’ expectations.”Surprising fact: “I did an emergency landing on a City of Mesa street.”

Rodolfo Parga, Jr.Managing shareholderRyley Carlock & Applewhite
In addition to managing a law firm with 120 attorneys, Parga has been to Best Lawyers in America for the last four years. He also serves as Chairman of the Board of Chicanos Por la Causa, a leading non-profit helping advance and create economic and educational opportunities.His hope for his professional legacy: “I want to be remembered as always trying to do the right thing and having led with integrity.”Surprising fact: “I was bullied until age 11, which drove me not only to strengthen my body, but my resolve.”

Hector PeñuñuriSenior planning analyst SRP
Peñuñuri is an Arizona native and has spent most of the past 15 years in the Customer Services Division at SRP. He has served on several boards including the Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and LISC. He was raised in the West Valley, and currently resides in Gilbert.His hope for his professional legacy: “A trusted and valuable team member/leader; a communicator who understands the importance of sharing knowledge to help others.”Surprising fact: “I’m a jack of all trades – woodworker, photographer, musician, outdoorsman and a decent cook when I put my mind to it.”

Dan PuenteOwnerD.P. Electric
Puente founded D.P. Electric in 1990 out of his garage with one truck. D.P. Electric now has more than 200 employees and generated more than $30 million in revenue in 2012, making it the biggest Hispanic-owned company in Arizona.His hope for his professional legacy: “A guy that is fair, honest, hard-working and gives back both personally and professionally.”Surprising fact: “Professionally, that I do not have a college degree and personally, that I am a Bikram Yoga junkie.”

Marie TorresFounderMRM Construction Services
Torres is an Arizona native and built her business in the community that she grew up in. With more than 30 years experience in the construction field, she started MRM in 2002 and currently has more than 50 employees. The focus of her company has been in government contracting and has self performed airfield work at Luke AFB, MCAS Yuma and Davis Monthan.Her hope for her professional legacy: “As being technically competent.”Surprising fact: “I don’t like to drive and I am happy as a passenger – even in my own car.”

Lisa UriasPresident and CEOUrias Communications
After 15 years in international marketing and communications, Urias founded Urias Communications to address the need for advertising and PR with a uniquely multicultural focus. Now an award-winning advertising, and PR agency, Urias Communications specializes in the multicultural markets of the U.S. Southwest, with concentration on the burgeoning Hispanic market.Her hope for her professional legacy: “Bridging the divide between corporations and the growing Hispanic community for mutual benefit and respect.”Surprising fact: “I am a fourth-generation Arizonan whose grandfather was the first Hispanic city councilman.”

Dawn C. ValdiviaPartner, chair of the Labor & Employment Practice Group Quarles & Brady
Valdivia is the chair of Quarles & Brady’s Labor and Employment Group in Phoenix. She regularly advises clients in all matters of labor and employment law and is skilled in complex litigation matters, including wage and hour class action litigation in Arizona and California.Her hope for her professional legacy: “A creative problem solver, committed to her clients and to giving back to the community.”Surprising fact: “I love adventure — sky diving, gliding, scuba diving, helicopters, etc.”

Lorena ValenciaCEOReliance Wire
Valencia is the founder and CEO of Reliance Wire Systems, a wire and tubing manufacturing company she founded in 2000. She is also the founder and president of Magin Corporation — an eco-friendly wood pallet alternative company — and the FRDM Foundation.Her hope for her professional legacy: “Empowering children by building schools and libraries in impoverished countries through my FRDM Foundation.”Surprising fact: “I put hot peppers on almost everything I eat. The hotter. the better.”

Roberto YañezVice president and GMUnivision Arizona
Yañez is a 27-year broadcast television veteran, who has served 17 of those years with the Univision Television Group (UTG). Yañez has created various opportunities that helped build the station’s relationship with the community: Cadena de Gente Buena, El 34 Esta Aqui and Ya Es Hora.His hope for his professional legacy: “Someone who used his craft to build bridges between the problem and the solution.”Surprising fact: “Though Monday through Friday you will never see me without a suit and tie, I am most comfortable in boots, jeans and driving a pick-up truck.”